May 09
Sharp evidence
Posted in: Issue 11
Our officially-sharpened pencil.
May 09
Stili acumen salus mundi
Posted in: Issue 11
In issue #11 we mentioned David Rees’ Artisanal Pencil Sharpening service. To celebrate his second anniversary, he has partnered with Mike Houston of Cannonball Press to create this print.
David is also currently on a book tour in support of his book, How to Sharpen Pencils.
Stili acumen salus mundi* indeed.
*A sharp pencil is the salvation of the world.
Apr 04
Work-in-Progress Wednesday
Posted in: Issue 11
image by Diem Chau
Much like the magazine has organizing sections (Art + Design, Craft, Style, etc), when I’m preparing blog posts it helps for me to have some framework to corral my ideas and all the submissions. Type Tuesday is a feature I’ve been sticking to on a fairly regularly basis and I find it quite enjoyable to put together (I hope you enjoy perusing those posts, too!) So on Wednesdays, I plan on sharing my own Works-in-Progress or images from around my studio, peeks into other creatives’ studios and workspaces, posts of the submissions in the W.I.P.S. flickr pool and other “unfinished business”.
As a follow-up to the post about Diem Chau, below, here are some additional images from issue #11:
Diem recently posted on her blog that she wants to move her artwork out of her home (and dining table) into a backyard studio. She plans on documenting the process of building her dream studio on her blog and I look forward to seeing progress reports.
Apr 04
You will likely recognize this crayon image from the cover of issue #11. It is the handiwork of Seattle-based artist Diem Chau. Diem has a new show of her thread drawing and ceramic work opening this Thursday at the Hoffman Gallery Shop in Portland, Oregon. Though perhaps at first glance there’s quite a difference in style between the carved crayons and the thread drawings, each speak to Diem’s interest in the fragility of objects as—well as her patience.
Mar 20
What a compliment!
Posted in: Issue 11, Press/Mentions
The Society of Publication Designers is presenting a round-up of magazine art directors’ favourite magazines: “We’ve asked a lot art and photo directors from around the world to tell us the magazines or apps that they really love. The ones they can’t wait to get their hands on, the ones that fire their creative spirit: you know, the ones that make you jealous, or supremely happy, or both.”
Thank you Deb Bishop for selecting UPPERCASE (She designed Blueprint magazine and Martha Stewart Baby and Kids — remember those? So amazing! She’s now at More.)
I’ve chosen Uppercase because I love the whole package. It is playful and “up,” without being over designed. I tip my hat to Janine Vangool who is the publisher, editor and designer. She has created a beautiful format and each page is kind of a feast for the eyes– not just the design but the featured content. If you love “how-to,” and are the “curious sort,” about how beautiful graphic things are made it’s hard not to enjoy this publication. This issue included intricately carved crayons and the art of paper cutting. Loved the “handy guides,” collection. I admit that I am seduced by the beautiful paper and even the smell of fresh ink when I open the package. In this time of troubled publishing it’s nice to learn that this wonderful publication, is created by a small team (3 people I think!) in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Feb 15
Love Letters
Posted in: Handwritten, Issue 11, Issue 12
I had a cold and was feeling run down, so I hadn’t been downtown to my studio for a few days. When I opened my mailbox, it was overflowing with an amazing assortment of envelopes and small parcels. I instantly felt better!
Inside this beautifully addressed envelope with Australian postage was an actual love letter from Lee of bluebirdmill.blogspot.com. In addition to a gushing letter, Lee included some ephemera, an old map, and a photo of herself. I’m blushing!
Laura Schwammann decorated her envelope which contained a Valentine (which made me think of issue 11 with its themes of linocut/sharp and labour-intensive art-making and owl motif).
Christina Crook, one of our writers (most recently she wrote the feature about Angela Ritchie Ace Camps and Creative Retreats in the current issue #12) sent one of her simple and lovely greeting cards. Each contains a vintage embroidered patch. (They’re available on her Etsy shop here. Please visit her shop to see better quality images—it’s a great concept for a unique card.)
Mister Edwards sent a fun bag of candy and stickers. (Check out this Crap Book – that’s right, no S on scrap!)
Janae Easton of Platypusfile sent a soft owl paperweight/beanbag and some prints of her artwork. Finley is enjoying playing with the little owl, but our dog Percy is awfully tempted, too!
And that’s not all that was in this incredible mailbox haul! There’s a new book by Gemma Correll, an activity journal to document What I Wore Today, a postcard from Eight Hour Day, and a letter from Carolee Wheeler with some tiny stamps and beautiful handwriting that needs further investigation. A publication from Grow Books entitled Pushie, Jr. And a postcard from Stephanie Levy.
Really, you’ve all spoiled me. I don’t remember a February 14th when I had better Valentines than these. Thank you!!!
Feb 14
Ok, nobody sneeze…
Posted in: Issue 11(Want to read more about paper cutting? We have a feature about the art of paper cutting and other labour-intensive artmaking in issue #11.)
Jan 28
Weekend Reading: poolside
Posted in: Issue 11
photo by Helen Corbett
Lisa Sonora Beam at Hacienda Mosaico, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
The Creative Entrepreneur Workshop
Jan 10
Reader appreciation: Charise Harper
Posted in: Issue 11
I love that you love UPPERCASE. When Charise Harper emailed to share a link to her blog today, I was so surprised and touched to see her profess adoration for the magazine so publicly—and in such a cute way! Thank you, Charise, for being a loyal reader.
Check out all the kids books Charise has written and illustrated!
Nov 14
It’s really cold outside today and now it is snowing. The malls have their Christmas decorations up. Next week is American Thanksgiving. So I guess all signs point to Christmas! So in preparations for gift-giving season, I’ve uploaded a special item to the shop: an UPPERCASE Christmas Gift Pack + Subscription. This includes all available back issues (#7-#11) plus a subscription mailed to the USA or Canada for $150 (you save $20). I have VERY LIMITED QUANTITIES and once these are gone, that’s it for issue #7; it will be sold out. (Issue #7 is only available as part of this pack. You might try the workroom for single copies of #7.) Please order your Gift Pack here.
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